CAIRO- The Cairo Syrupmakers fell to the Shaw Raiders at home on Saturday night in a nail-biting, 59-62 finish. 

The Raiders got off to a hot start, scoring 18 points in the first quarter, while holding the Syrupmakers to only 8 points. 

However, the Syrupmakers found their footing in the second quarter, scoring 13 points. 

The quarter was led by KJ Spence, who scored eight points, while Kortnee Brown drained a three-pointer. 

The Raiders still led 30-21 heading into half-time. 

Coming out of the half, the Syrupmakers had renewed energy, amassing 20 points in the third quarter. 

Spence had another huge quarter, scoring nine points, while Fabian Yarbrough, Tyree Kelly, Kylon Brown, Kortnee, Amari Powell and Zi Vicks all added to the total as well. 

The Syrupmakers were only trailing by two points, 41-43, headed into the final quarter of the game. 

Spence and Powell both played a large role in the final quarter, but Shaw’s Dorean Head proved to be too much for the duo to overcome. 

Spence finished with a total of 30 points, while Powell finished with 10 points. 

Head Coach JJ Cooper was understandably disappointed by the loss, despite the Syrupmakers’ hard fight to the finish. 

“Fighting hard doesn’t matter right now,” he said. “We have to find a way to execute.” 

Cooper went on to explain that the Syrupmakers have had approximately 10 one-possession games this year. 

“We’ve got to figure out a way to make free throws and finish out the game, because that’s what is killing us right now,” he said. 

The Syrupmakers will still have the opportunity to make up for the loss during next week’s region game against Top 25-ranked team, Bainbridge. 

“We are just going to keep the energy up and play hard,” Cooper said. 

This loss puts the Syrupmakers 1-5 in the region and 11-10 in regular season play.